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via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen returns to F1 cockpit in Ayrton Senna's title-winning McLaren MP4/6Mika Hakkinen, a two-time Formula 1 champion, returned to the F1 cockpit at the Allwyn x McLaren Racing event in Athens, where he drove Ayrton Senna's iconic McLaren MP4/6. The event featured a bespoke track layout and showcased the MCL39, which won the 2025 constructors' championship.
The MP4/6, powered by a Honda V12 engine, was a significant car in F1 history, winning the constructors' title in 1991. McLaren's chief marketing officer, Louise McEwan, highlighted the importance of connecting with fans through such events. The event also included simulators and was expected to attract other former F1 drivers.
Sat 3 Oct · 11:24 UTC
via espn.comAyrton Senna's Honda NSX expected to reach £800,000Ayrton Senna's 1991 Honda NSX is set to be auctioned in London at the end of October. The car is estimated to fetch around £800,000.
+ 2 moreWed 30 Sep · 11:32 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Hakkinen shrugs off penalty to score final win at Indianapolis | BriefOn 30 September 2001, Mika Hakkinen achieved his last victory in Formula 1 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, overcoming a grid penalty that relegated him to the back of the field. The penalty was imposed after Hakkinen drove through a red light at the pit lane exit during the pre-race warm-up, leading to the deletion of his fastest qualifying time.
The race also featured controversy as Jarno Trulli, who finished fourth, was disqualified after his Jordan's skid blocks were found to be non-compliant with technical regulations. Following the disqualification, Jordan successfully appealed to the International Court, adding to the drama of the event.
Tue 29 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Mansell and Senna thrill in first Spanish Grand Prix at Catalunya | BriefOn September 29, 1991, Nigel Mansell claimed victory at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix held at the Circuit de Catalunya. The race featured a dramatic battle between Mansell and Ayrton Senna on a wet track, with Senna ultimately finishing fifth after a spin.
Mansell's win was crucial for his championship aspirations, as he and Senna entered the final two races of the season separated by 16 points. Alain Prost secured second place, marking his last podium finish with Ferrari, while Riccardo Patrese and Jean Alesi followed in third and fourth, respectively. Michael Schumacher rounded out the top six, continuing his streak of points finishes.Mon 28 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Mansell, Prost and Piquet leave Senna behind in title fight | BriefOn 21st September 1986, the Portuguese Grand Prix saw a dramatic turn in the Formula 1 championship as Ayrton Senna's hopes for the title were dashed when he finished in fourth place. His Lotus-Renault ran out of fuel, allowing Nigel Mansell to secure victory, followed by Alain Prost and Nelson Piquet, which resulted in Mansell taking a significant lead in the championship standings.
This race was pivotal in the thrilling 1986 championship battle, with only two rounds remaining after this event. Mansell's win at Estoril not only showcased his driving prowess but also set the stage for the upcoming races in Mexico and Australia, where further drama was anticipated in the title fight.Sun 20 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via RacingNews365Legendary Ayrton Senna F1 car set for 'extra mile' revivalMemento Exclusives has announced a significant revival project centered around the legendary Lotus 97T, a car famously driven by Ayrton Senna and Elio De Angelis during the 1985 Formula 1 season. Only ten full-scale replicas will be constructed in partnership with Classic Team Lotus, marking the company's first venture into heritage editions. The replicas will be built using original materials and construction techniques, with valuable input from individuals who worked on the original car.
The Lotus 97T is notable for its historical significance, having returned Team Lotus to winning form after the passing of Colin Chapman. In 1985, Senna achieved a remarkable victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix, winning by over a minute, while De Angelis also secured a win at Imola. The project aims to capture the excitement and legacy of the 97T, with Clive Chapman highlighting the extraordinary interest and emotion surrounding the car.
Tue 15 Sep · 11:10 UTC
via the-race.comWhen a young Ayrton Senna drove F1's elite crazyAyrton Senna's early career in Formula 1 began with Toleman, where he displayed remarkable talent and determination. His move to Team Lotus marked a significant turning point, as he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, often frustrating more experienced rivals. His strategic approach to career decisions and contract negotiations highlighted his ambition and desire for independence in the sport.
Senna's time with Lotus was characterized by impressive performances, including a notable victory in his second race with the team. His ability to challenge established drivers and assert his presence in the sport set the stage for his future success. By the end of his stint with Lotus, Senna had secured multiple wins and poles, all while laying the groundwork for his eventual move to McLaren, where he would achieve even greater success.
Sun 13 Sep · 08:55 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso 'keeps Ayrton Senna history alive' with early running in SpainFernando Alonso participated in a special track day in Barcelona, showcasing iconic cars from his personal collection, including two vehicles previously raced by Ayrton Senna. This event occurred just before the Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting Alonso's passion for motorsport and his connection to racing history.
Alonso's collection, valued at around £32 million, features a variety of cars, but the standout models were Senna's 1984 Toleman and the 1989 McLaren MP4-5. He shared his excitement on social media, emphasizing the importance of preserving and enjoying the history of motorsport. As his contract with Aston Martin is set to expire, the upcoming race in Madrid may mark his final appearance in F1 on home soil.
Thu 10 Sep · 08:57 UTC
via RacingNews365The Senna-fication of Kimi AntonelliKimi Antonelli is emerging as a significant talent in Formula 1, with aspirations to become the youngest champion in the sport's history. His recent victory at Monza has drawn comparisons to legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna, particularly due to the significance of the location and the passionate support from Ferrari fans. Antonelli's performance at Monza marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his potential to reshape the narrative of Italian drivers in F1.
Despite the accolades and comparisons, Antonelli remains cautious about being likened to past greats, emphasizing his desire to carve out his own legacy. His journey reflects a blend of talent and determination, as he navigates the pressures of the sport while aiming to establish a unique identity in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.Wed 9 Sep · 16:20 UTC
via f1chronicle.comMika Hakkinen warns teams over fan backlash on ordersMika Hakkinen has expressed concerns that Formula 1 teams could face backlash from fans if they establish a clear number one driver for the 2026 championship. He notes that the current fanbase is different from previous generations, emphasizing the importance of fair competition.
+ 1 moreThu 3 Sep · 16:46 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAyrton Senna once called Alain Prost a 'coward' for refusing to be his teammateAyrton Senna publicly criticized Alain Prost for refusing to team up with him at Williams for the 1993 Formula 1 season, labeling him a 'coward' during a press conference following the 1992 Portuguese Grand Prix. This outburst came after Prost's decision to take a sabbatical after being dismissed from Ferrari, while Senna expressed frustration over the competitive dynamics in the sport and Prost's reluctance to race on equal terms.
Senna's comments highlighted the intense rivalry between the two drivers, which was marked by political maneuvering and personal animosity. He argued that true champions should be willing to compete against anyone, and his remarks were supported by fellow competitor Nigel Mansell, who was present during the press conference. Ultimately, Damon Hill was chosen to partner with Prost at Williams for the upcoming season.
Fri 28 Aug · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris ‘reminded’ Jolyon Palmer of Mika Hakkinen after what he saw at the Dutch Grand PrixJolyon Palmer saw shades of Mika Hakkinen fighting Michael Schumacher in how Lando Norris overtook Andrea Kimi Antonelli to win the 2026 F1 Dutch Grand ...Thu 27 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton 'recharged and ready' for Ferrari title fight after GOAT visitLewis Hamilton is gearing up for the second half of the Formula 1 season, aiming to close a 50-point gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli. He recently shared a lighthearted Instagram post featuring a goat, expressing his readiness to return to racing at Zandvoort after a summer break. Hamilton is determined to overcome recent trends where drivers have struggled to mount a comeback in the latter part of the season.
As he prepares for the upcoming race, Hamilton's focus is on securing his eighth world championship title. The Mercedes team has been dealing with reliability challenges, which could impact his performance. With half the season remaining, Hamilton is looking to capitalize on any opportunities that arise to improve his standings in the championship race.
Mon 17 Aug · 19:45 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAudi F1 chief recalls ‘focus on detail’ lessons from Ayrton SennaHe recalled his first test with McLaren in 1989, where he was struck by the speed of the car and the insights shared by Senna. McNish's journey in motorsport includes a brief stint in F1 with Toyota, and he aims to build on Audi's promising debut season as they prepare for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.
Sun 16 Aug · 10:06 UTC
via RacingNews365Jos Verstappen claims historic podium as Mika Hakkinen serves race ban - On This DayThe 1994 Hungarian Grand Prix was a pivotal race in Formula 1 history, held on August 14, where Michael Schumacher dominated to secure his seventh victory of the season. He finished significantly ahead of Damon Hill, while Jos Verstappen claimed third place, marking a historic first podium for a Dutch driver in F1. The race also featured drama as Martin Brundle, who was in a strong position, faced an electrical failure on the last lap, allowing Verstappen to capitalize on the situation.
Mika Häkkinen was notably absent from the race due to a one-race ban imposed by the FIA after a collision at the previous Grand Prix. His replacement, Philippe Alliot, struggled throughout the weekend, highlighting the impact of Häkkinen's absence on McLaren's performance. This race not only showcased Schumacher's dominance but also set the stage for Verstappen's future in the sport.Fri 14 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via AutosportAllan McNish appointed Audi's first racing directorAllan McNish, Audi's new Formula 1 Racing Director, has shared insights from his early career working with Ayrton Senna. He emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, a lesson he aims to apply in his current role.
+ 1 moreFri 14 Aug · 09:32 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen reveals why McLaren rivalry with David Coulthard never boiled overMika Hakkinen discussed his time as a teammate with David Coulthard at McLaren, highlighting how their shared vision for the team's success helped them navigate on-track conflicts. He reflected on their infamous collision during the 1999 Austrian Grand Prix, where both drivers managed to recover and continue racing without significant damage to their cars.
Hakkinen emphasized the importance of resolving issues quickly to maintain a positive working relationship, a sentiment echoed by Coulthard. They compared their experience to the current McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, suggesting that understanding and teamwork are crucial for success in Formula 1.Thu 13 Aug · 09:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen urges McLaren not to "rock the boat" with Max Verstappen moveMika Hakkinen has expressed concerns about McLaren potentially pursuing Max Verstappen, suggesting that the team should focus on preserving its internal harmony. He believes that introducing another top driver could disrupt the existing team dynamics, which are vital for success in Formula 1. Hakkinen shared these insights during a podcast discussion with David Coulthard, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the team.
Hakkinen drew from his own experiences at McLaren, where he and Coulthard maintained a long-standing partnership. He argued that a strong team spirit is essential, and management should prioritize stability over risky driver market moves. The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix is set to take place from August 21 to 23, 2026.Sun 9 Aug · 11:32 UTC
via Motorsport.comOllie Bearman opens up on emotional Ayrton Senna Lotus F1 drive: "Very powerful moment"Haas F1 driver Oliver Bearman recently shared his emotional experience of driving Ayrton Senna's 1985 race-winning Lotus 97T at Silverstone. The 21-year-old Briton expressed how the moment brought him to tears, highlighting the significance of driving the exact chassis in which Senna won his first Grand Prix. Bearman emphasized the emotional weight of the experience, especially as he was accompanied by his father and girlfriend, along with Senna's original mechanic, which made the day even more special.
Bearman was initially instructed to complete only three laps to preserve the engine but felt compelled to push for an additional lap, which he described as a 'glory lap'. He recalled the thrill of driving the car and the emotions that surged through him during the experience, marking it as a powerful moment in his career.Sat 8 Aug · 12:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen reveals doubts over F1 return after life-threatening crash in 1995Mika Hakkinen opened up about his traumatic experience following a life-threatening crash at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix, where he suffered severe injuries including a fractured skull. The crash was triggered by a puncture that sent his car airborne, leading to a high-speed impact with a barrier. Hakkinen was hospitalized for about two months and received critical medical assistance from F1 officials and doctors at the scene.
Despite the physical and psychological hurdles he faced, Hakkinen returned to testing an F1 car just months later. He reflected on the difficult decision to come back to racing, acknowledging the fear and doubts that accompanied it. Ultimately, his passion for motor racing and the desire to prove himself motivated him to overcome his apprehensions and return to the sport he loves.Fri 7 Aug · 12:38 UTCPage 1 of 2